SunnyHello Nice effects though.

ChicRawIdol A brilliant film that helped define a genre

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Woodyanders Vampire Michael LeGault (a fine performance by Matt Locker) fronts his own rock band and lives in a posh mansion with his sister Lenore (well played by Deana Demko) and cherished companion Adelaide (a charming portrayal by the ravishing Mona Sethi). After Adelaide becomes fatally ill from drinking tainted blood, Michael requests the assistance of occult expert Rosemary Ellen Guley and Dr. Tara Wolfe (a solid turn by Jamie Stone) to help the family with a special funeral for Adelaide. Writer/director John Orrichio relates the quirky and engrossing story at a steady pace, maintains a serious brooding tone from start to finish, and provides some neat and inspired tweaking of the standard vampire lore (these vampires have no aversion to crosses and wish to coexist peacefully with humans). Moreover, Orrichio manages to stage a few moments of genuinely moving grace and poetry, with a Celtic musical number set at night in a backyard rating as a definite impressive highlight. The titular funeral is likewise done with real stylish aplomb. Plus there are elements of kinky sexuality sprinkled throughout such as incest and a truly startling, yet tastefully done gay sex scene. The sound acting by the capable cast holds the picture together, with especially commendable contributions from Bob Smith as pesky health inspector Jerry, David B. Powers as the smitten and mopey Henri, Gerry Kirschbaum as practical family lawyer Justin Burke, and Cathy Loch as the fiercely loyal and protective Clair. As a tasty bonus, the delectable Debbie D belts out a song at a tavern and does a sensuous nude dance. Orrichio's crisp cinematography makes elegant use of fades and boasts plenty of lovely visuals while his moody score further enhances the overall melancholy atmosphere. Recommended viewing for fans of oddball fright fare.

Croiter Check out Tony Attrino as the mugger who gets slaughtered by Mona Sethi's vampire. Great scene! Attrino wrote one part of a three-part horror trilogy Petry had produced a year earlier. TRIVIA: Requeim For A Vampire was filmed in the driveway of Petry's home in Northern New Jersey -- Kearny, to be exact. Petry works well with Orrichio, who seems to have some experience at video editing using the Avid software. The film was shot mostly low-budget with the actors working for free. Key scenes were shot in Bloomfield. One in particular was shot in the Bloomfield Public Library. The movie's premiere was held in Dec. 2004 inside the auditorium of Bloomfield College.

got_depp Requiem for a Vampire isn't high art, but it's entertaining nonetheless. There's plenty of gore, sex, nudity, and even political commentary to keep the audience entertained. The story is pretty unique and the performances are decent, especially considering the budget constraints. The story concerns a coven of vampires living in New Jersey who run a blood bank for the purpose of staying alive in a humane way and avoiding disease. One of the vampires goes out for a walk one night and is trailed by a man. Feeling threatened, she attacks the man and drains his blood, only to become ill with AIDS. The disease eats away at her body at a rapid pace and she dies, leaving her coven to plan what they believe to be the first ever funeral for a vampire. It's not your run of the mill tale of the undead, which both adds to and takes away from the overall experience. It's always great to see something new, but this idea is one that feels like it wasn't expanded upon fully. If the story was more about the family's plight against the diseases of the human world and less about the funeral, it would have made the story feel more whole.The music is the real star of this movie however... there are lots of great rock songs and a beautiful Celtic lullaby. Definitely worth the $5.95 from the Alpha New Cinema Series.

mortgoldstein Although an independent film, the cinematography is very good. It's not your typical Vampire movie. It's more in the keeping of the Ann Rice novels. It takes place in modern times and in all places, New Jersey! You get to take a look inside a Vampire family and see what they must do to survive in these days of forensic science. Director John Orrichio and Producer Karl Petry do a wonderful job on a very low budget. The ending has a twist that you would never anticipate. The music is excellent and deserves its own release on CD. All in all, if you're tired with all the same junk coming out of the major studios, give this a look. You'll enjoy!